The GupTa Lab
The Team:
Research in our lab ranges from developing novel mass spectrometric method development to understanding mechanistic nuances of cell signaling. Accordingly, we have an extremely diverse group of scientists who bring orthogonal expertise to the lab. Together, we address the questions at hand in a collaborative manner.
Kallol Gupta
Assistant Professor of Cell Biology
Nanobiology Institute
PhD Indian Institute of Science (2013)
Fellow of the 1851 Royal Commission, Oxford University (2013)
Initially trained as a chemist, I was introduced to the world of biology through the aquatic route, where my goal was to uncover the molecular diversity present in the venoms of marine cone snails and understand how it impairs the functions of key ion channels and transporters. This introduced and made me fascinated about the world of membrane proteins.
I subsequently moved to the University of Oxford as a Fellow of the 1851 Royal Commission. Here, my research led to a transformative advancement that enabled top-down mass spectrometric (MS) analysis of membrane protein-lipid complexes. Application of this approach yielded atomistic understanding of how lipids act as a key signaling molecule to regulate structural and functional organization of membrane proteins.
In the Fall of 2018, I crossed the pond to start my own lab in Yale. Combining native mass spectrometry with an array of orthogonal experimental and computational approaches, our lab is focused on developing platforms that enable quantitative analysis of macromolecular protein complexes directly from the cellular environment. Applying this, the lab aims to understand how spatiotemporal organization of membrane protein interactomes regulate cellular physiology.
When I am not in the lab, you shall me find me in some hiking trail.
Caroline Brown
Graduate Student
caroline.brown@yale.edu
I am a graduate student interested in method development of nativeMS to study challenging biological problems. During my PhD, I aim to develop a top-down nativeMS platform for analysis of membrane protein complexes directly from their native membrane vesicles. This will effectively yield a “snapshot” of membrane protein assemblies in their most physiologically relevant forms. It is my hope that development of this transformative technology will expand our understanding of MP interactomes in a wide variety of biological contexts. I have been awarded an NSF GRPF and PEO scholar award for this work. When I’m not in lab, you can find me exploring the New England area in search of the perfect cup of coffee, cooking up new recipes, or browsing the local craft store for my latest DIY project!
Gerard Walker
Ph.D. Student
gerard.walker@yale.edu
I studied biology and biochemistry at Villanova University, and conducted a post-baccalaureate fellowship at the NIH. Here, I studied protein and membrane trafficking events at the cellular level. I now want to explore cellular cargo transport in refined, granular detail. Specifically, I am using innovative new technologies to decipher the intra-membrane organization of a troublesome oncogenic protein, hoping to decipher how the oily environment of the plasma membrane alters its behavior and suite of interaction partners. When I'm not in the lab, I can be found trail running and fishing.
I studied biochemistry at UCLA before joining Yale as a graduate student in 2020. In my undergrad lab, I worked on the mechanism of sortase, a bacterial pilin polymerase. My current projects include a joint advisorship between Dr. Bhattacharyya and Dr. Gupta to investigate the oligomerization of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BtK) on the membrane and optimize structural and functional assays in the context of the native membrane. I have been awarded an NCI F31 fellowship for this project. My free time is spent reading, playing tennis, or hiking around New Haven.
Before diving into my current PhD research, I was immersed in the world of synthetic biology and epigenomics, where I developed a method for sequencing 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine. Now, my focus has shifted to the exciting challenge of unraveling the spatial organization of membranes and membrane proteins. Using a combination of proteomics, lipidomics, and native mass spectrometry approaches, I aim to isolate small regions of the membrane while maintaining their natural spatial arrangement, unlocking new insights into the intricate architecture of cellular membranes. When I’m not in the lab, you’ll likely find me out on a hike, cooking, or enjoying time with my family.I
Jaywon Lee
Graduate Student, MCGD
jaywon.lee.jl3926@yale.edu
Hola! I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Texas at El Paso, where as an undergraduate researcher I focused on testing the effectiveness of Carbon Nano Materials in preventing and treating protein aggregation. In pursuing my PhD at Yale, I will study ER trafficking and protein aggregation, specifically the role of VAP in mechanisms of ER quality control. When I’m not in lab, I enjoy putting my Texas driving skills to work and drive up and down exploring the East Coast in search of the best stationary shops around. So far, New Haven takes the cake!
Sofia Delgado
Graduate Student, BQBS
sofia.delgado@yale.edu
Aniruddha Panda
Postdoctoral Researcher
PhD National Centre for Biological Sciences (2019)
aniruddha.panda@yale.edu
I am developing a novel platform that enables direct detection of membrane protein from the lipid bilayer. Using this approach, I am investigating how hierarchical organization of the SNARE and SNARE associated proteins in synaptic vesicle regulate fast neurotransmitter release.
I did my PhD in 2019 from National Centre for Biological Sciences, TIFR, Bangalore under the supervision of Prof. Raghu Padinjat. During this period, I have performed the biochemical analysis of Phospholipase D in lipid homeostasis in Drosophila melanogaster.
I enjoy playing football when I'm not immersed in experiments.
Snehasish Ghosh
Postdoctoral Researcher
snehasish.ghosh@yale.edu
I am a trained chemist and have a PhD degree from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, India. In my PhD, I developed peptide-based hydrogel for ceasing emergency bleeding. In the Gupta Lab, my aim is to synthesize a new molecule that can scoop out a target membrane protein from the endogenous lipid bilayer, with precise spatial resolution and without losing its associated lipid molecules. In my free time, I play online chess or read books.
Samantha Shepherd
Postdoctoral Researcher
samantha.shepherd@yale.edu
I was trained as a physical chemist at Brandeis University (BS) where I performed theoretical research on zebrafish skin patterning and University of Oregon (PhD) where I studied native mass spectrometry method development, modeling, and standardization. In the Gupta lab, I am continuing my work on native mass spectrometry method development with a focus on applying physical chemistry knowledge to native mass spectrometry of membrane proteins to determine organization and behavior of membrane proteins.In my time outside of the lab you can find me sewing/knitting/crocheting/painting, on a (slightly too long) hike, squashing spotted lanternflies, or seeking out vegetables
PAST MEMBERS
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Dr Wonhyeuk Jung
Postdoctoral Researcher (2021-2023)
PhD: UCLA (2020)
Current position: Senior Scientist, AstraZeneca
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Keerthana Chari
Summer School Student
Current position: Yale University, Undergraduate Student
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Anushka Halder
Postbacularate Researcher (2018-2020)
Msc: University of Oxford(2016)
Current position: NYU Graduate Student
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Justin Knapp
Postbacularate Researcher (2020-2022)
Bsc: Yale University(2019)
Current position: Mayo Clinic, MD Student
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Dr Fabian Giska